Support: HD PVR
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- Accessories
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Latest HD PVR driver
File name: hdpvr_v1.zip
Date: June 13, 2008
Size: 3.8MB
Accessory software for the HD PVR
Beta test version
All HD PVRs can be upgraded to support Dolby 5.1 audio through the SPDIF port on the back of the HD PVR. Your set top box needs to have an SPDIF output if you want to record audio in a 5.1 format.
Note: you need to disconnect the left/right audio cables from HD PVR in order to use SPDIF. Also, makes ure the SPDIF cable is plugged into the Opt In connector.
In addition, this version of HD PVR software supports new features such as: record to M2TS for playback on the Sony PS3 (M2TS formats will require an updated Arcsoft Total Media Extreme, which will be in beta test soon).
To install, download and unzip the file and run “hcwdriverinstall.exe”.
NOTE:
The current version of Arcsoft Total Media Extreme can not burn AVCHD disks with 5.1 audio. Audio encoded with 5.1 audio will be transcoded to AC3 2 channel audio. An updated version of Arcsoft Total Media Extreme will be available mid October with full 5.1 disk burning support. TV programs recorded today with 5.1 audio will be able to be burnt to disk when the new TME comes out.
File name: HDPVR1.0.3.53Beta.zip
Date: Sept. 23, 2008
File size: 4 MB
3rd Party Applications
None at this time.
QuickInstall Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What Operating Systems are supported by HD PVR?
Can I use the HD PVR with Microsoft's Windows Media Center application?
Can I record high definition TV with HD PVR through a Cable or Satellite box?
What type of recordings can I make with the HD PVR?
What type of audio encoding is made with the HD PVR?
How can I use my remote control with the HD PVR?
Can my PC go into hibernate or sleep mode when using HD PVR?
A Scheduled recording fails to start with the error “ Can’t launch TME”
When opening the Arcsoft capture module I only see a Channel button?
Video is jerky or broken up while capturing?
I get a black screen in the capture window when using the component input?
Audio pass through does not work
What Operating Systems are supported by the HD PVR?
Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack 2.
Do I need a PC to use HD PVR?
Yes, a PC or laptop is required to use HD PVR. The PC is used to both run the HD PVR application plus is the place where HD PVR recordings are stored.
HD PVR connects to a PC or laptop computer through a USB 2.0 port. The compressed audio and video from HD PVR is stored on the PC's disk drive.
System Requirements
The playback of high definition H.264 requires a fast CPU and at least 256MB of graphics memory
Processor Requirements (minimum):
- Dual core CPU 2.0Ghz or faster
- Graphics with 256MB memory (or greater)
- Sound card
- USB 2.0 Port
Can I use the HD PVR with Microsoft's Windows Media Center application?
HD PVR captures video streams in a compressed H.264 format. Current versions of Media Center do not support this video compression format so currently, the HD PVR will not function within the Media Center application.
Can I use the HD PVR with Linux?
Currently, there are no drivers available for Linux. But there is a beta version of MythTV which supports HD PVR:. http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Hauppauge_HD-PVR
Can I record high definition TV from a Cable TV or Satellite box?
Yes. By connecting the Component video output from your high definiton cable TV or satellite TV set top box to the component video inputs of the HD PVR, you will be able to record the TV programs coming from your set top box to the hard disk. Component video connections are normally the Red/Green/Blue connectors on the back of a set top box. Sometimes they are also called YPrPb or YCrCb connectors.
What type of recordings can I make with the HD PVR?
The HD PVR encodes in real time directly to the hard disk in an H.264 format with AAC audio.
Note: An software update to the HD PVR will also allow recording in a AC-3 format for surround sound audio.
The HD PVR file can also be burned onto a standard DVD disk for playback in a Blu-ray disk player using the Arcsoft TME Disk Create application.
A program called MP4_Creator is included with HD PVR which will convert the .TS recordings into a .MP4 recordings which can be played back on an XBOX360 or a Sony PS3.
Note: For playback in an XBOX360, if you are streaming using Windows Media Player, after the file is converted to .MP4, it must be manually renamed to a .AVI extension.
Note: a software update will enable direct Playstation3 compatible recordings.
The included TME Media Converter program may also be used to convert the .TS file to other formats compatible for playback on an iPhone and Ipod.
What type of audio encoding is made with the HD PVR?
The initial release of the software will support 2 channel stereo audio only. You may still connect your SPDIF if you can change the settings of your source to PCM. You can otherwise use the composite audio inputs on the front or rear of the HD PVR to connect audio from your source.
The next release of the drivers will support AC-3 audio through the SPDIF input. This will enable full 5.1 surround sound.
Can I output files I’ve recorded with my HD PVR or other content from my PC back to an external TV monitor through the component video outputs?
No, the HD PVR does not have the ability to play back recorded videos to an external monitor. The component video outputs act as a pass through for live video streaming from your video source through the HD PVR back to your TV monitor. The power of the HD PVR must remain in the on position in order to pass the video through to the external TV.
How can I use my remote control with the HD PVR?
The included remote control is not used with the TME software for the HD PVR. It is provided for the convenience of using 3rd party software applications such as SageTV or GB-PVR with the HD PVR.
Can my PC go into hibernate or sleep mode when using HD PVR?
The current driver for HD PVR does not allow your PC to go into Hybernate or Standby mode when it is either recording or previewing video.
A Scheduled recording fails to start with the error “ Can’t launch TME”
This will occur if the Total Media Extreme software is not installed in the default destination directory.
When opening the Arcsoft capture module I only see a Channel button?
If you have a TV tuner card installed the ArcSoft Capture Module may attach to this or any other capture device installed. If you see a Channel button on the Capture Module window go to the Source drop down menu at the top and select the Hauppauge HD PVR Capture Device.
Video is jerky or broken up while capturing?
Most of the time this is caused by the display adapter, make sure your video card meets the minimum requirements.
Also try updating to the latest drivers supplied by the manufacturer.
I get a black screen in the capture window when using the component input?
Some set top boxes will disable or turn off the component output if the HDMI or DVI output is being used. Check to see how you have your Television connected to your set top box.
Audio pass through does not work
In order for the audio pass through to operate correctly you need to configure the settings in the Total Media Extreme application. To do this follow the installation guide to install the HD PVR drivers and the Arc Soft Total Media Extreme software. When finished power on the HD PVR and open the Total Media Extreme software and click on the “record video” Icon, this will open the Capture module. Choose the audio input from the drop down menu ( RCA, SPDIF), once configured the HD PVR will retain these settings. Note: the HD PVR must be powered on for the pass through to operate.